St. Aidan's Anglican Church, Kansas City - Weekly Talks

The Greek word symbol - σύμβολον, symbolon - is derived from two Greek words syn (together with) and balo (a casting, throwing)which means to bring two realities together and place them side by side. Hence, "outward sign" of something. All secular / cultural liturgies employ important symbols. Symbols convey deep meanings which reach the heart, the deep consciousness. Thus, the worship of Israel was full of symbols signifying two realities, the visible and the invisible. The Church's liturgical worship incorporates ancient signs and symbols which illuminate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The cross, the altar and the Gospel Book speak of Christ and his work of redemption. Thus, we bow before these symbols, giving honor and worship to the one signified, Jesus Christ. We examine common ways we use our bodies as symbolic language. We clap our hands, give high-fives, thumbs up and the ok sign to communicate without words. These signs reach deep into hearts. We then ask why we find it odd to make the sign of the